Follow Us on Google
From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Special Adviser on Security Matters to Oyo State Governor, CP (rtd) Fatai Owoseni, has urged the Federal Government to adopt geo-spatial technology, increase police funding, and promote good governance as critical measures to curb the growing insecurity challenges across Nigeria.
Owoseni made the call while delivering the keynote address at the maiden edition of the 2025 Annual Luncheon and Welcome Ceremony for newly-inducted Fellows of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Body of Fellows, Oyo State Branch. The event took place on Thursday at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
The retired police commissioner, who also chairs the Oyo State Security Trust Fund, emphasized that tackling insecurity in Nigeria requires more than force—it demands technological intelligence, accountability in governance, and deliberate efforts to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
According to him, “To end insecurity in Nigeria, the government must provide adequate funding for the police, embrace modern technology such as geo-spatial intelligence systems, and ensure the eradication of poverty through good governance. Without these, our efforts will continue to yield little results.”
Owoseni explained that geo-spatial technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), Remote Sensing, and other intelligence-gathering tools have been instrumental in tracking criminal elements and uncovering illegal arms movements across the country.
He cited notable cases, including the 2017 arrest of notorious kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, as a success story enabled by the use of geo-spatial intelligence.
“We used elements of geo-spatial intelligence to arrest Evans the kidnapper,” he said. “It was through geo-location and lawful intercepts that we tracked his movements from Festac to Badagry until his eventual arrest. The same technology was deployed to monitor the activities of criminal herders infiltrating Nigeria from neighboring countries.”
Other News
Owoseni also highlighted Oyo State’s commitment to proactive crime prevention through the use of technology-driven security platforms, including the Oyo State Emergency Toll-Free Line (615), the Crime Alert Platform, and the Safe School Initiative, which features panic buttons installed in state-owned tertiary institutions to enable real-time emergency alerts.
He lamented the poor working conditions of police personnel nationwide, describing them as a major contributor to professional negligence and low morale among officers. He called on the Federal Government to overhaul the police system and prioritize the welfare of officers to enhance operational efficiency.
Furthermore, Owoseni advocated for stronger collaboration between security agencies and professional bodies like the NIS, emphasizing the importance of data-sharing and technological synergy. He warned against inter-agency rivalry, particularly in intelligence custody, which he said often hampers coordinated security responses.
“Security agencies must close ranks and stop the superiority contests that weaken intelligence operations. Collaboration with professionals like surveyors will provide critical data for effective surveillance and planning,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Oyo State Body of Fellows, Surveyor Olufemi Isaac Akintola, congratulated the newly-inducted Fellows and commended the Oyo State branch for producing the highest number of inductees at the 2025 NIS Investiture Ceremony held in Akure, Ondo State.
He described Owoseni’s address as timely and insightful, noting that the partnership between security stakeholders and surveyors could help develop innovative strategies for addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape.
The event was attended by several dignitaries and security experts, including Brigadier General S.O.G. Aremu, Commander of the 43 Engineer Brigade, who represented the General Officer Commanding, 2nd Mechanized Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife; Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), DCC Ademu Stephen; and Surveyor Prince Afolabi Solesi, who represented the National Chairman of the NIS Board of Fellows, Surveyor Alabo Charles, FNIS.
